On the road to sainthood, here's the story of Brother Joseph Dutton — born April 27, 1843, in Vermont. He lived a life of penance serving the Hansen’s disease, or leprosy, patients at Kalaupapa for 44 years. Dutton managed the Baldwin home for Orphan Boys and Elderly Men, tending to the needs of those who were sent there. Now, the Catholic Church is considering making Dutton a saint.
In November, the bishops of the United States voted to support canonizing him. Ira Barnes Dutton, known as Joseph Dutton or Brother Dutton, was raised Protestant but converted to Catholicism on his 40th birthday. A Civil War veteran, he also struggled with alcoholism and a failed marriage. He went on to live a life of service after hearing of Father Damien's work at Kalaupapa. Dutton died in 1931.
Speaking to The Conversation, Kalaupapa historian Patrick Boland shared the story of Brother Dutton’s life.
This interview aired on The Conversation on Feb. 8, 2022. The Conversation airs weekdays at 11 a.m.
